Unauthorized use taking the toll on Redlands' trails

Winter days, whether cold or warm, welcome a fine hike on one of Redlands' Heritage Trails, more than 20 miles of urban and rural trails scattered throughout Redlands.

Casual and serious hikers, mountain bicyclists and equestrians regularly enjoy using the many miles of natural-surface and paved pathways.

With an agreement with the city of Redlands and with the help of many volunteers, the Redlands Conservancy maintains Redlands' public trails by clearing weeds, picking up trash, marking with signs and promoting with trails maps and special events.

While the trails are not yet connected to one another as might happen when the Emerald Necklace is fully realized, they do take Redlands residents and visitors into a variety of habitat, from riparian to historic park, from warehouse district to canyon lands.

Two years ago, an Eagle Scout candidate, Joseph Harris-Lesh, installed a series of wooden barriers on the Oakmont Trails in an effort to persuade users to stay on the trail rather than take a shortcut across a switchback. Shortcuts leave a path for runoff water to follow, causing erosion and undermining the trail.

Every Leave-No-Trace Scout knows the primary rule is to stay on the trail. Still, bicyclists, hikers and equestrians are known to circumvent the barriers.

"Two years ago, a long wet storm caused severe damage to the Oakmont Trails," said Sherli Leonard, Redlands Conservancy executive director. "The trail is built on very unstable soil in some spots, and when trail users start making their own pathways, they threaten the future existence of this trail. It would be such a shame if we had to close that trail someday in the future because it had been undermined."

Another rural trail and wild space has incurred recent damage by motorcyclists making their own trails. Leonard cites Redlands City Ordinance No. 68700, which says, "No motorized vehicles are permitted off road in Redlands."

"That means, no motorcycles, no quads, no trucks, no anything with a motor," Leonard said. "Damage caused by motorcycles is almost permanent. In places in the Badlands east of Moreno Valley, the motorcycle scars on the hillsides are still visible after more than a decade."

At a recent guided hike at the San Timoteo Nature Sanctuary, Leonard and guests noted fresh motorcycle tracks traveling up and over a small hill. Leonard said runoff water will follow the tracks downhill and start a series of erosive actions to add to the existing damage.

Nearby, an unauthorized bicycle path is setting up its own erosion scenario.

Preventing trail damage results in preserving trails for all legitimate trail users. Leonard urged all Redlanders to hook up with one of the Heritage Trails and to be responsible so the trails can be enjoyed for decades to come.

For more information about the Redlands Heritage Trails Alliance, visit redlandsconservancy.org or call 909-389-7810.